[close]
[Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart
3★'s
What's It About?
A governess in a French château encounters an apparent plot against her young charge's life in this unforgettably haunting and beautifully written suspense novel. When lovely Linda Martin first arrives at Château Valmy as an English governess to the nine-year-old Count Philippe de Valmy, the opulence and history surrounding her seems like a wondrous, ecstatic dream. But a palpable terror is crouching in the shadows. Philippe's uncle, Leon de Valmy, is the epitome of charm, yet dynamic and arrogant—his paralysis little hindrance as he moves noiselessly in his wheelchair from room to room. Only his son Raoul, a handsome, sardonic man who drives himself and his car with equally reckless abandon, seems able to stand up to him. To Linda, Raoul is an enigma—though irresistibly attracted to him, she senses some dark twist in his nature. When an accident deep in the woods nearly kills Linda's innocent charge, she begins to wonder if someone has deadly plans for the young count.
What Did I Think?
I probably would never have read the book if not for a challenge that I was trying to complete. It was better than I had anticipated since this is not my usual type of book. It was a good combination of mystery and romance although I wished it had been a little heavier on the mystery side. The atmosphere of the story reminded me a lot of [Rebecca]. Those that like Gothic romance/mysteries will redoubtably love this book.
